What purpose did the Mayflower Compact serve in the Plymouth Colony?

The Mayflower Compact served as a foundational document for governance in the Plymouth Colony, established by the Pilgrims in 1620. It created a social contract in which the settlers agreed to form a civil body politic and abide by laws for the good of the colony, ensuring cooperation and order. This early form of self-governance laid the groundwork for future democratic principles in America, emphasizing collective decision-making and accountability.